Germany, which has long advocated for 'denuclearization'... Calls to 'maintain nuclear power plants' amid energy crisis emerge

Neckarwestheim Nuclear Power Plant in Germany. It is scheduled to cease operations by the end of this year.
[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] In Germany, which had planned to cease nuclear power operations this year while advocating for a nuclear phase-out policy in Europe, concerns about the energy shortage have led to calls for continuing nuclear power operations.

Christian D?rr, parliamentary leader of the Free Democratic Party participating in the German coalition government, told DPA on the 12th (local time) regarding the possibility of Russia cutting off gas supplies, "We must prepare for scenarios that affect households and the entire German industry" and "It is desirable to extend nuclear power operations beyond the end of the year to avoid a situation where electricity generation must rely on gas."

Since the day before, Russia has suspended gas supplies through the 'Nord Stream 1' pipeline to Germany for ten days due to maintenance work. Although pipeline maintenance is an annual routine, given the escalating conflict between Western countries and Russia following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, there is speculation that the resumption of operations may not occur.

D?rr said, "There is a possibility that gas supplies through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline will continue to be interrupted even after maintenance work," adding, "President Vladimir Putin does as he pleases, so it would not be surprising if he indefinitely halts gas supplies citing technical reasons."

Opposition parties in Germany are also calling for an extension of nuclear power operations. Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), wrote in a Bild opinion piece, "As an energy crisis approaches, we must not miss the opportunity to extend nuclear power operations to save gas." He pointed out, "The CDU also wants to stop nuclear power operations soon," but added, "Not now."

However, Robert Habeck, Germany's Vice Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, denied the possibility of extending nuclear power operations at a press conference that day, saying, "We have problems with heating and energy supply," and "There is no problem with electricity production, so nuclear power is of no help."

In response to Russia's reduction of energy supplies, Germany plans to implement emergency energy measures that increase dependence on coal rather than nuclear power. The plan is to restart coal-fired power plants that have been kept offline as reserve power sources. Minister Habeck emphasized, "We must restart coal-fired power plants and save gas," and "Nuclear power does not help in this situation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.